More than 225,000 get insurance through state Obamacare site

Published 8:42 pm, Monday, December 22, 2014

More than 225,000 individuals enrolled in insurance plans for the first time using the state's online health insurance market, NY State of Health, between Nov. 15 and Dec. 20, the state Health Department announced Monday.

The number does not include those who signed up last year and have renewed their coverage. Almost 1 million New Yorkers got coverage through NY State of Health last season. The online market, or health exchange, was launched last year to meet the requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act, which requires most Americans to carry health insurance.

Dec. 20 was the last day to enroll in plans with coverage beginning Jan. 1. Open enrollment continues through Feb. 15 for coverage starting at later dates. After Feb. 15, NY State of Health will remain open only to certain groups, including people eligible for Medicaid and Child Health Plus, or who undergo a major life change such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child or loss of a job.